Process for the continuous production of epoxylated addition polymers, and powder and liquid coating applications containing epoxylated addition polymers

ABSTRACT

A process is disclosed for a continuous, high temperature polymerization process for preparing a free radically polymerized epoxy-functional polymeric product. The process comprises continuously charging into a reactor at least one epoxy-functional acrylic monomer, and optionally at least one non-functional free radical polymerizable monomer. An optional free radical polymerization initiator may also be added. The reactor is maintained at an effective temperature for an effective period of time to cause polymerization of the monomers into a polymeric product, such that the polymeric product is formed substantially free of gel particles. A clear coating is also disclosed incorporating polymers of the present invention, such that the clear coating has a low Delta b value at standard conditions.

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/354,350, filed Jul. 14, 1999, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a continuous process for the production of epoxylated addition polymers, to the polymeric products produced by the process, to powder and liquid coating applications containing the polymeric products made by the process, and to powder and liquid coatings containing epoxylated addition polymers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Continuous processes for the production of polymers are well known in the art. However, many of the processes used to date to produce polymers for industrial use suffer from significant limitations including high cost, significant gelation problems when utilizing epoxy-containing monomers, poor incorporation levels of particular monomers, and an inability to produce polymers that can be utilized in weatherable and non-yellow coating applications.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,414,370, issued to Hamielec et al., discloses a continuous bulk polymerization process for polymerizing vinylic monomers to prepare low molecular weight polymers employing thermal initiation at reaction temperatures from 235° C. to 310° C. and residence times of at least 2 minutes in a continuous stirred reactor zone.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,529,787, issued to Schmidt et al., discloses a continuous bulk polymerization process including an initiator for preparing low molecular weight, uniform polymers from vinylic monomers at short residence times and moderate reaction temperatures to provide high yields of a product suitable for high solids applications.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,546,160, issued to Brand et al., discloses a continuous bulk polymerization process for polymerizing acrylic monomers to prepare low molecular weight, uniform, polymers for use in high solids applications which uses a minor amount of initiator at short residence times and moderate temperatures.

[0007] None of the prior art teaches how to overcome the problems related to producing epoxylated addition polymers at high temperatures using continuous processes. Typically, significant gel particle formation occurs when continuous, high temperature polymerization reactions are conducted to produce epoxylated addition polymers.

[0008] Moreover, epoxylated addition polymers are generally formed by the polymerization of epoxy-functional monomers together with methacrylate monomers and other selected monomers. Often the epoxy-functional monomers are themselves methacrylate monomers. Conventional high temperature polymerization methodologies have not been able to adequately solve problems encountered when producing such polymers which include low levels of incorporation of the methacrylate monomers into the final polymeric product. There remains a need for continuous high temperature polymerization processes to produce epoxylated addition polymers which overcome these shortcomings of such processes known in the art.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,256,452, issued to McMonigal et al., teaches the production of clear coatings using epoxylated polymers produced via a semi-batch process. These coatings, typically used for automobile finishes, can give a yellowish cast to the colored base coat which they cover. This is particularly a problem when the colored base coat is white. Unfortunately, clear coatings containing these epoxylated polymers produced according to U.S. Pat. No. 5,256,452 demonstrated excess yellowness when applied as either liquid or powder clear coatings over base coatings.

[0010] Finally, clear coatings containing the epoxylated polymers produced according to conventional processes have significant problems in addition to the yellowing problem described above. For example, clear coatings containing conventional epoxylated polymers also lack weatherability. When these conventional clear coatings are used in applications which expose them to extreme conditions, such as automobile coatings, they sometimes fail to provide the durability required. A need exists to produce epoxylated polymers for use in clear coatings that overcome the problems associated with conventional epoxylated polymers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] One object of the present invention is to provide a continuous, high temperature polymerization process for preparing a free radically polymerized epoxy-functional polymeric product, wherein the polymeric product is formed substantially free of gel particles. In one embodiment, this is accomplished in the present invention by continuously charging into a reactor at least one epoxy-functional acrylic monomer, and optionally at least one non-functional free radical polymerizable monomer(s), such monomers including, but not limited to, non-functional acrylate monomers, non-functional methacrylate monomers, non-functional styrenic monomers and combinations thereof. The reactor may also optionally be charged with at least one free radical polymerization initiator and/or one or more solvents. The reactor is maintained at an effective temperature for an effective period of time to cause polymerization of the monomers to produce a polymeric product from the monomers formed substantially free of gel particles within the reactor.

[0012] A further object of the present invention is to provide a continuous, high temperature polymerization process for preparing a free radically polymerized epoxy-functional polymeric product. The process comprises continuously charging into a reactor about 1% to 100% by weight based on the total weight of the monomers of at least one epoxy-functional acrylic monomer; optionally up to about 99% by weight based on the total weight of the monomers of one or more non-functional free radical polymerizable monomers, such monomers including, but not limited to, non-functional acrylate monomers, non-functional methacrylate monomers, non-functional styrenic monomers and combinations thereof, based on the total weight of the monomers; optionally at least one free radical polymerization initiator; and 0% to about 40% by weight.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a continuous, high temperature polymerization process for preparing a free radically polymerized epoxy-functional polymeric product. The process comprises continuously charging into a reactor about 15% to about 60% by weight of at least one epoxy-functional acrylic monomer based on the total weight of the monomers; up to about 85% by weight of at least one non-functional acrylate and/or non-functional methacrylate monomer based on the total weight of the monomers; about 0.0005 to about 0.06 moles of at least one free radical polymerization initiator per mole of monomers; 0% to about 25% by weight of at least one non-functional styrenic monomer based on the total weight of the monomers; and 0% to about 15% by weight of solvent based on the total weight of the monomers.

[0014] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a continuous, high temperature polymerization process for preparing a free radically polymerized epoxy-functional polymeric product that incorporates high levels of both epoxy-functional and non-functional methacrylate monomers into the polymeric product. In a preferred embodiment, the invention allows for of at least 60% by weight of the methacrylate monomers fed into the reactor to be converted into the epoxy-functional polymeric product. This is accomplished by continuously charging into a reactor at least one epoxy-functional acrylic monomer, at least one non-functional methacrylate monomer, at least one non-functional acrylate monomer, and optionally at least one free radical polymerization initiator. An effective temperature is maintained in the reactor for an effective period of time to cause polymerization of the monomers and produce a polymeric product. In some preferred processes, the acrylate monomer has a T_(g) of less than or equal to 30° C., while in other processes, the acrylate monomer has a T_(g) of greater than 30° C. In a preferred process, the acrylate monomer is cyclohexyl acrylate, and in still another preferred embodiment is isobornyl acrylate. In other preferred processes, the reactor is additionally continuously charged with at least one non-functional styrenic monomer or other non-functional free radical polymerizable monomers.

[0015] It is also an object of the present invention to maximize the conversion of all monomers in the reactor feed into the polymeric product of the present invention. This is done according to the present invention by adjusting the quantity of the non-functional acrylate monomer in the reactor feed.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a continuous, high temperature polymerization process for preparing a free radically polymerized epoxy-functional polymeric product. The process comprises continuously charging into a reactor about 15% to about 60% by weight at least one epoxy-functional acrylic monomer based on the total weight of the monomers, up to about 85% by weight of at least one non-functional methacrylate monomer based on the total weight of the monomers, 0% to about 25% by weight of at least one non-functional acrylate monomer based on the total weight of the monomers, about 0.0005 to about 0.06 moles of at least one free radical polymerization initiator per mole of monomers, 0% to about 25% by weight of at least one non-functional styrenic monomer based on the total weight of the monomers, and 0% to about 15% by weight of solvent based on the total weight of the monomers.

[0017] A further object of the present invention is to produce liquid and powder clear and pigmented coatings incorporating polymeric products of the present invention. These coatings exhibit enhanced properties such as lower yellowness when used in a clear coating, and/or enhanced weatherability when used in a clear or pigmented coating, when compared to similar coatings that comprise either comparable batch polymeric products and/or comparable acrylate free polymeric products.

[0018] Still another object of the present invention is to produce a powder coating composition comprising a polymeric product consisting essentially of about 1% to 100% by weight at least one epoxy-functional acrylic monomer based on the total weight of the monomers, optionally up to 99% by weight of at least one non-functional free radical polymerizable monomer, Such monomers including, but not limited to, non-functional acrylate monomers, non-functional methacrylate monomers, non-functional styrenic monomers and combinations thereof, based on the total weight of the monomers, Such that the monomers are polymerized into the polymeric product. The polymeric product in one embodiment comprises a monomer content of epoxy-functional acrylic monomer(s) of at least about 40%. The powder coating also comprises other materials sufficient to form a powder coating when combined with the polymeric product. The powder coating composition exhibits a Delta b value of 1.2 or less at standard conditions, more preferably, exhibiting a Delta b value of 1.05 or less at standard conditions, when the powder coating is a clear coating.

[0019] The invention also relates to a powder coating composition comprising a polymeric product consisting essentially of about 15% to about 60% by weight at least one epoxy-functional acrylic monomer based on the total weight of the monomers, up to 85% by weight of at least one non-functional acrylate and/or non-functional methacrylate monomer based on the total weight of the monomers, such that the monomers are polymerized into the polymeric product. The polymeric product in one embodiment comprises a monomer content of epoxy-functional acrylic monomer(s) of at least about 40%. The powder coating also comprises other materials sufficient to form a powder coating when combined with the polymeric product. The powder coating composition exhibits a Delta b value of 1.2 or less at standard conditions, more preferably, exhibiting a Delta b value of 1.05 or less at standard conditions, when the powder coating is a clear coating.

[0020] Other preferred powder coatings according to the present invention comprise a polymeric product which consists essentially of about 15% to about 60% by weight at least one epoxy-functional acrylic monomer based on the total weight of the monomers, up to 60% by weight of at least one non-functional methacrylate monomer based on the total weight of the monomers, tip to 25% by weight of at least one non-functional acrylate monomer, such that the monomers are polymerized into the polymeric product. The polymeric product in one embodiment comprises a monomer content of epoxy-functional acrylic monomer(s) of at least about 40%. The powder coating composition further comprises other materials sufficient to form a powder coating. The powder coating composition exhibits a Delta b value of 1.2 or less at standard conditions, more preferably exhibiting a Delta b value of 1.05 or less at standard conditions, when the powder coating is a clear coating.

[0021] A further object of the present invention is a liquid coating composition comprising a polymeric product consisting essentially of about 1% to about 100% by weight at least one epoxy-functional acrylic monomer based on the total weight of the monomers, optionally up to 99% by weight of at least one non-functional free radical polymerizable monomer, such monomers including, but not limited to, non-functional acrylate monomers, non-functional methacrylate monomers, non-functional styrenic monomers and combinations thereof, based on the total weight of the monomers, such that the monomers are polymerized into the polymeric product. The polymeric product is mixed with other materials sufficient to form a liquid coating. The liquid coating composition exhibits a Delta b value of 1.2 or less at standard conditions, when the liquid coating is a clear coating.

[0022] A further object of the present invention is to produce a liquid coating composition comprising a polymeric product consisting essentially of about 15% to about 60% by weight at least one epoxy-functional acrylic monomer based on the total weight of the monomers, up to 85% by weight of at least one non-functional acrylate and/or non-functional methacrylate monomers based on the total weight of the monomers, such that the monomers are polymerized into the polymeric product. The polymeric product is mixed with other materials sufficient to form the liquid coating. The liquid coating composition exhibits a Delta b value of 1.2 or less at standard conditions, when the liquid coating is a clear coating.

[0023] These and other objects of the invention will be apparent from the specification that follows together with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements and:

[0025]FIG. 1 is a graph illustrating the effect of the increase of functional and non-functional methacrylate monomer conversion as a function of an increase in concentration of non-functional acrylate monomer and non-functional non-α substituted styrenic monomer.

[0026]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a polymer production line of the present invention;

[0027]FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating the decrease in yellowness of clear powder coatings formulated with polymeric products of the present invention when compared to clear powder coatings formulated with comparable batch polymeric products;

[0028]FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating the decrease in yellowness of clear powder coatings formulated with polymeric products of the present invention when compared to clear powder coatings formulated with comparable batch polymeric products;

[0029]FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating the decrease in yellowness of clear powder coatings formulated with polymeric products of the present invention when compared to clear powder coatings formulated with comparable batch polymeric products;

[0030]FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating the decrease in yellowness of clear liquid coatings formulated with polymeric products of the present invention when compared to clear liquid coatings formulated with comparable batch polymeric products;

[0031]FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating the decrease in yellowness of clear liquid coatings formulated with polymeric products of the present invention when compared to clear liquid coatings formulated with comparable batch polymeric products;

[0032]FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating the decrease in yellowness of clear liquid coatings formulated with polymeric products of the present invention when compared to clear liquid coatings formulated with comparable batch polymeric products;

[0033]FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating the effect of the increase of overall monomer conversion as a function of an increase in concentration of non-functional acrylate monomer;

[0034]FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating the effect of the increase of epoxy-functional methacrylate monomer conversion as a function of an increase in concentration of non-functional acrylate monomer;

[0035]FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating the effect of the increase of non-functional methacrylate monomer conversion as a function of an increase in concentration of non-functional acrylate monomer; and

[0036]FIG. 12 is a graph illustrating the unmodified Mw vs. T_(g) behavior of the different polymeric products of the present invention observed through the proper selection of the non-functional acrylate monomer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] In the present application, the following terms are used consistently throughout, and are defined as follows:

[0038] Comparable acrylate free polymeric product—A polymeric product that is produced by the same continuous process of the present invention, and comprises the same monomers in the reactor feed, except no acrylate monomers are present in the reactor feed.

[0039] Comparable batch polymeric product—A polymeric product that is produced from the same monomer composition as the polymeric product of the present invention, and differs in that it is produced via a batch or semi-batch process rather than a continuous process as provided for by the present invention.

[0040] Functional Group—Any chemical group that could chemically react with an epoxy-functional group, including, but not limited to, hydroxy, carboxylic acid and amino groups.

[0041] Lower color—A first clear coating that has a lower Delta b value when measured under the same conditions than a second clear coating is herein defined as having a lower color.

[0042] Non-functional (monomer)—A monomer that does not include a cross-linkable functional epoxy group, or any functional group that could chemically react with an epoxy group.

[0043] Standard conditions—Standard conditions relates to the conditions at which the Delta b value is measured. In the case of a liquid clear coating, the standard conditions are defined as measuring the Delta b value on a three layer substrate made up of E-coat ED5250, PPG primer FCP6842, and PPG basecoat ODCT6466 oxford white on which a 1.6 mil thick liquid clear coating containing the polymeric product is placed. The liquid clear coating is formulated and produced as described in Example 4 herein. Each substrate with the liquid coating is cured in an electric oven at 140° C. for 30 minutes and examined for color in Delta b yellowness using a Macbeth Color Eye 7000. Delta b is measured under three separate light conditions D-65, A, and CWF(2) to obtain averaged values. In the case of a powder clear coating, the standard conditions are defined as measuring the Delta b value on a three layer substrate made up of E-coat ED5250, PPG primer FCP6842, and PPG basecoat ODCT6466 oxford white on which a 2.0 mil thick powder coating containing the polymeric product is placed. The powder coating containing the polymeric product is prepared at the stoichiometric equivalent between epoxy-functionality from the epoxy-functional acrylic monomer(s) and the acid functionality from the crosslinker used to produce the powder coating. The powder clear coating is formulated and produced as described in Example 3 herein. Each substrate with the powder coating is cured in an electric oven at 140° C. for 30 minutes and examined for color in Delta b yellowness using a Macbeth Color Eye 7000. Delta b is measured under three separate light conditions D-65, A, and CWF(2) to obtain averaged values.

[0044] Substantially free of gel particles—The polymerization reaction takes place in such a manner that gel particle formation is avoided during the reaction to any extent which would adversely affect the continuous reaction and/or the resulting polymeric product.

[0045] Weatherability—The ability to retain gloss and/or color after exposure to sunlight and/or UV light.

[0046] The present invention includes a continuous, high temperature polymerization process for preparing a free radically polymerized epoxy-functional polymeric product comprising continuously charging into a reactor at least one epoxy-functional acrylic monomer, optionally at least one non-functional free radical polymerizable monomer, and optionally at least one free radical polymerization initiator. In a preferred process, the reactor does not contain any other monomers or compounds which include functional groups other than the epoxy-functional acrylic monomer(s). The monomer mixture is maintained in the reactor at an effective temperature for an effective period of time to cause polymerization of the monomers and produce a polymeric product such that the polymeric product is formed substantially free of gel particles.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present invention, the epoxy-functional acrylic monomer(s) are present in the monomer feed in the continuous process in an amount ranging from about 1% to 100% by weight, in another embodiment about 15% to about 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymerizable monomers in the feed.

[0048] The term “by weight” as used herein is hereby defined as the total weight of the entire class of the particular monomer(s) used, for example, if multiple epoxy-functional acrylic monomers are utilized, the preferred total weight of all such monomers will be from about 15% to about 60% by weight based on the total weight of the polymerizable monomers in the feed. All ranges recited herein include all combinations and subcombinations included within that range's limits; therefore, a range from about “15% to about 60%” would include ranges from about 15% to about 45%, from about 30% to about 47%, etc. A range of “up to 85%” would include up to 80%, up to 50%, up to 24%, etc.

[0049] Examples of epoxy-functional acrylic monomers for use in the present invention, include both acrylates and methacrylates. Examples of these monomers include, but are not limited to, those containing 1,2-epoxy groups such as glycidyl acrylate and glycidyl methacrylate. The preferred epoxy-functional acrylic monomer is glycidyl methacrylate.

[0050] The monomer mixture may also include one or more non-functional free radical polymerizable monomers in any combination. These additional non-functional free radical polymerizable monomers are present in total in amounts of up to 99% by weight of the total weight of the monomers present.

[0051] In one embodiment, these free radical polymerizable monomers include other non-functional acrylate monomers and/or non-functional methacrylate monomers. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the non-functional acrylate and/or non-functional methacrylate monomers are present in the monomer feed in the continuous process in amounts ranging tip to about 99% by weight of the total weight of the monomers. In another preferred embodiment, the non-functional acrylate and/or non-functional methacrylate monomers are present in the monomer feed in the continuous process in amounts ranging up to 85% by weight of the total weight of the monomers. Suitable acrylate and methacrylate monomers include, but are not limited to, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, n-propyl acrylate, i-propyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, s-butyl acrylate, i-butyl acrylate, t-butyl acrylate, n-amyl acrylate, i-amyl acrylate, isobornyl acrylate, n-hexyl acrylate, 2-ethylbutyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, n-octyl acrylate, n-decyl acrylate, methylcyclohexyl acrylate, cyclopentyl acrylate, cyclohexyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, n-propyl methacrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, i-propyl methacrylate, i-butyl methacrylate, n-amyl methacrylate, n-hexyl methacrylate, i-amyl methacrylate, s-butyl-methacrylate, t-butyl methacrylate, 2-ethylbutyl methacrylate, methylcyclohexyl methacrylate, cinnamyl methacrylate, crotyl methacrylate, cyclohexyl methacrylate, cyclopentyl methacrylate, 2-ethoxyethyl methacrylate, and isobornyl methacrylate. The preferred non-functional acrylate and non-functional methacrylate monomers are butyl acrylate, butyl methacrylate, methyl methacrylate, iso-butyl methacrylate, cyclohexyl acrylate, cyclohexyl methacrylate, isobornyl acrylate, isobornyl methacrylate, and combinations thereof.

[0052] In preferred processes of the present invention, the monomer feed will comprise at least two different non-functional acrylate or non-functional methacrylate monomers, and in a still more preferred embodiment, the monomer feed for the continuous reaction will comprise at least three different non-functional methacrylate monomers. In still other preferred processes of the present invention, at least two non-functional methacrylate monomers and one non-functional acrylate monomer is fed into the continuous reaction mixture. In still another preferred process of the present invention, the monomer feed will comprise at least one non-functional acrylate and one non-functional methacrylate. In another preferred process of the present invention, the monomer feed consists essentially of epoxy-functional monomers and non-functional styrenic monomers.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the process of the present invention also comprises one or more free radical polymerization initiators. In another preferred embodiment, the processes of the present invention may be conducted without the presence of any initiators. The initiators suitable for carrying out the process according to the present invention are compounds which decompose thermally into radicals in a first order reaction, although this is not a critical factor. Suitable initiators preferably have half-life periods in the radical decomposition process of about 1 hour at temperatures greater or equal to 90° C. and more preferably 10 hours at temperatures greater or equal to 100° C. Others with about 10 hour half-lives at temperatures significantly lower than 100° C. may also be used. Suitable initiators are, for example, aliphatic azo compounds such as 1-t-amylazo-1-cyanocyclohexane, azo-bis-isobutyronitrile and 1-t-butylazo-cyanocyclohexane, 2,2′-azo-bis-(2-methyl)butyronitrile and peroxides and hydroperoxides, such as t-butylperoctoate, t-butyl perbenzoate, dicumyl peroxide, di-t-butyl peroxide, t-butyl hydroperoxide, cumene hydroperoxide, di-t-amyl peroxide and the like. Additionally, di-peroxide initiators may be used alone or in combination with other initiators. Such di-peroxide initiators include, but are not limited to, 1,4-bis-(t-butyl peroxycarbo)cyclohexane, 1,2-di(t-butyl peroxy)cyclohexane, and 2,5-di(t-butyl peroxy)-3-hexyne, and other similar initiators well known in the art. The preferred initiators are di-t-butyl peroxide and di-t-amyl peroxide.

[0054] The initiator is preferably added with the monomers. The initiators may be added in any appropriate amount, but preferably the total initiators are added in an amount of about 0.0005 to about 0.06 moles initiator(s) per mole of monomers in the feed. For this purpose initiator is either admixed with the monomer feed or added to the process as a separate feed.

[0055] The polymeric product of the present invention may optionally include one or more non-functional styrenic monomers as one or more of the other non-functional free radical polymerizable monomers. When present, the styrenic monomers are fed in together with the other monomers in an amount of up to 99% by weight, in one embodiment up to 25% by weight, based on the weight of the total monomer feed. Styrenic monomers for use in the present invention include, but are not limited to, styrene, α-methylstyrene, p-methylstyrene, t-butylstyrene, o-chlorostyrene, vinyl pyridine, and mixtures of these species. Preferred styrenic monomers for use in the process include styrene and α-methyl-styrene.

[0056] The process of the present invention optionally may additionally include one or more inert solvents in the reactor feed. This solvent may be fed into the reactor together with the monomers, or in a separate feed. The solvent may be any solvent well known in the art that preferably does not react with the epoxy functionality on the epoxy-functional acrylic monomer(s) at the high temperatures of the continuous process described herein. As discussed in more detail below, the proper selection of solvent may decrease the gel particle formation during the continuous, high temperature reaction of the present invention. Such solvents include, but are not limited to, xylene, toluene, ethyl-benzene, Aromatic-100

, Aromatic 150

, Aromatic 200

(all Aromatics available from Exxon), acetone, methylethyl ketone, methyl amyl ketone, methyl-isobutyl ketone, N-methyl pyrrolidinone, and combinations thereof. When used, the solvents are present in any amount desired, taking into account reactor conditions and monomer feed. In one embodiment, one or more solvents are present in an amount of up to 40% by weight, up to 15% by weight in a preferred embodiment, based on the total weight of the monomers.

[0057] The process of the present invention also includes a continuous, high temperature polymerization process for preparing a free radically polymerized epoxy-functional polymeric product comprising continuously charging into a reactor at least one epoxy-functional acrylic monomer, at least one non-functional methacrylate monomer, at least one nonfunctional acrylate monomer and optionally at least one free radical polymerization initiator. The reactor is then maintained at an effective temperature for an effective period of time to cause polymerization of the monomers and produce a polymeric product. In a preferred embodiment, the reactor is free of all functional groups aside from the epoxy-functional acrylic monomer(s). In another preferred embodiment, the polymeric product incorporates at least 60% by weight of the total functional and non-functional methacrylate monomers based on the total weight of the monomers. In a more preferred embodiment, at least 60% by weight of the total weight of the methacrylate monomers are incorporated into the polymeric product when the process is conducted at a temperature between about 160° C. and about 270° C., preferably up to about 232° C. In another preferred embodiment, the amount of the total weight of the methacrylate monomer incorporated into the polymeric product is increased over the amount of the total weight of methacrylate monomer incorporated into a comparable acrylate free polymeric product.

[0058] It has been surprisingly and unexpectedly discovered that by adding a non-functional acrylate monomer this non-functional acrylate monomer maximizes the conversion of the methacrylate monomer(s) into the resulting polymeric product. The resulting polymeric product incorporates a percentage of methacrylate greater than when a comparable acrylate free polymeric product is produced.

[0059] The present inventors have discovered that both functional and non-functional methacrylate monomers behave in a specific fashion when incorporated into polymeric products via a high temperature continuous polymerization process. It has been found that every and all methacrylate monomer components in the monomer mix for a continuous polymerization process exhibit a substantial decrease in their extent of copolymerization (i.e. individual conversion) into the polymeric product as the temperature of the reactor increases, rendering lower process yield (i.e. lower process productivity) at higher temperatures. This differs from the behavior of other vinyl monomers, in the continuous polymerization of acrylic and styrene acrylic polymers, within the ranges of this invention.

[0060] The introduction of small amounts of a suitable non-functional acrylate monomer and/or nonfunctional non-α substituted styrenic monomers greatly increases the conversion of every and all methacrylate monomer components in the monomer feed mix overcoming this negative feature of high temperature copolymerization of methacrylate containing formulas. The selection of the suitable acrylate monomer to be introduced to the formula for the purpose of expanding the processability in accordance with the present invention has to be in terms of maintaining unchanged the final polymeric product characteristics, particularly Epoxy Equivalent Weight, T_(g), and Molecular Weight Distribution (hereinafter “MWD”) (MWD given by Mn and Mw).

[0061] Since process conditions for equal MWD can be easily found in the expanded processability ranges, the equality of Epoxy Equivalent Weight and T_(g) implies two main things: 1) the non-functional acrylate introduction should not affect the final epoxy-functional acrylic monomer content incorporated into the final polymeric product; and 2) the acrylate may be chosen in such a way that the final T_(g) of the polymeric product is sufficient for the desired application. The T_(g) of the polymeric product is very important in the preparation and performance of both liquid and powder coatings made in accordance with the present invention. T_(g) is particularly important in powder coating preparation since a decrease in T_(g) below about 30° C. will cause the polymeric product to exhibit the phenomenon known as cold flow which prevents its use a solid, thus losing its powder character. In liquid coating preparations incorporating polymeric products of the present invention, a variation in T_(g) may result in substantial differences in rheological behavior.

[0062] To satisfy these requirements, the criteria for the suitable non-functional acrylate selection may be based on a copolymer polymeric product T_(g) prediction model. As an example, the Fox Model that is well known in the art establishes the defined selection criteria by complying with the following equation:

EQUATION 1 Criteria for Acrylate Introduction for Process Enhancement

[0063] $\left( \frac{1}{{Tg}_{product} \pm {x{^\circ}c}} \right) = {{\frac{W_{GMA}}{{Tg}_{GMA}} + {\sum\limits_{i = 1}^{n}\quad \frac{W_{i}}{{Tg}_{i}}}} = {\frac{W_{GMA}}{{Tg}_{GMA}} + {\sum\limits_{i = 1}^{n}\quad \frac{W_{i}^{\prime}}{{Tg}_{i}}} + \quad \frac{W_{Acrylate}}{{Tg}_{Acrylate}} + \frac{W_{Styrenic}}{{Tg}_{Styrenic}}}}$

[0064] In this equation:

[0065] Tg_(product)+/−x: is the polymeric product desired or current T_(g)+/− a tolerance limit allotted for the inclusion of the additional non-functional acrylate and/or nonfunctional non-α substituted styrenics in the formula.

[0066] W_(i) is the weight fraction of component i in the current product.

[0067] W′_(i) is the weight fraction of component i in the (new) non-functional acrylate and/or nonfunctional non-α substituted styrenic expanded product.

[0068] T_(gi) is the T_(g) of the homopolymer i.

[0069] GMA is glycidyl methacrylate, but could be any suitable epoxy functional acrylic monomer.

[0070] Thus, in keeping with the teachings of Equation 1, in formulas for polymeric products of the present invention with low T_(g) for liquid coatings applications, low T_(g) non-functional acrylate monomers should be utilized. These non-functional acrylate monomers include, but are not limited to, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, hexyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, octyl acrylate and longer chain aliphatic acrylates, or any other acrylate-monomer or combinations thereof in which a homopolymer(s) of the acrylate(s) exhibits T_(g)≦30° C.

[0071] In formulas for polymeric products according to the present invention with high T_(g) for powder coatings applications, high T_(g) non-functional acrylate monomers such as cyclohexyl acrylate, iso-bornyl acrylate, non-functional non-α substituted styrenics and combinations thereof, and any other acrylate monomer(s) which homopolymer(s) exhibits T_(g)>30° C. should be preferred.

[0072] In both cases, the maximum allowable amount of the selected suitable non-functional acrylate monomer(s) and/or non-functional non-α substituted styrenic monomer(s) to be introduced, will be constrained by its compliance to Equation 1. That is, the selection of a given acrylate/styrenic to be introduced fixes its T_(g) and therefore also fixes its maximum usage before violating the T_(g) variation tolerance constraint.

[0073] In this manner, any non-functional acrylate monomer and/or non-functional non-α substituted styrenic monomer can be introduced to any formula within the range of this invention with the purpose of expanding the processability. However, the larger the gap between the T_(g) of the non-functional monomer chosen with respect to the T_(g) of the monomer that it is replacing or the T_(g) of the target polymeric product, the lower the permissible amount of this monomer will be set by compliance with Equation 1. If the T_(g) gap is too large, the permissible amount may be so low that no process advantages may be found. This increased conversion of both functional and non-functional methacrylates is shown in the FIG. 1. FIG. 1 illustrates the combined effect of the non-functional non-α substituted styrene and non-functional acrylate(s) content on the averaged conversion of all and every functional and non-functional methacrylate(s) contained in the same reaction mix, as a function of polymerization temperature in the process of this invention.

[0074] Any non-functional acrylate monomer and/or non-functional non-α substituted styrenic monomer having the proper T_(g) may be used. However, certain acrylate monomers will not only affect the rate of incorporation of the methacrylate monomer(s) into the final product, but will also enhance the performance of the final product in which the resultant polymeric product is used. In the present invention, cyclohexyl acrylate, isobornyl acrylate, or combinations thereof, are preferred for process enhancement not only because of their T_(g) difference with respect to the typical methacrylate components such as methyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, and isobutyl methacrylate, found in the polymeric products utilized in liquid and powder coatings is small thus allowing larger amounts of cyclohexyl acrylate or isobornylacrylate to be introduced, but also that these amounts can be afforded because these monomers also enhance the product performance inasmuch as it increases the final coating weatherability. Therefore, the benefits of these two monomers are twofold, processability enhancement and product performance enhancement.

[0075] Although the present invention is directed to reacting non-functional monomers with the epoxy-functional acrylic monomer, small amounts of other functional monomers may be added to the reaction. The levels of these other functional monomers that may be added are typically low enough so as not to greatly affect either the level of gel particles within the polymeric product via additional crosslinking or the conversion of the epoxy-functional acrylic monomer into the polymeric product.

[0076] The continuous high temperature process of the present invention is conducted in the manner well known in the art, and is conducted according to the method embodied in U.S. Pat. No. 4,529,787, issued to Schmidt et al. (hereinafter “Schmidt et al.”), except as otherwise noted. Schmidt et al. is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. However, it has been surprisingly and unexpectedly discovered that by modifying the continuous process as described by Schmidt et al., several problems previously encountered in the art can be avoided and several additional benefits can be had.

[0077] The continuous high temperature process described in Schmidt et al. had previously shown a large tendency to produce gel fouling resulting in product contamination at high temperatures when various functional monomers were used in the reaction feed. The inventors of the present invention have discovered that by modifying the process of Schmidt et al. in a number of respects, the process can be conducted to produce polymeric products that are substantially free of gel particles when utilizing epoxy-functional monomers. Gel particle formation may occur as both (a) gel deposits below the surface of the monomer reactants, (b) gel deposits in the headspace above the surface of the monomer reactants; and (c) throughout the machinery used to conduct the high temperature continuous process. Any of this gel formation may contaminate the final polymeric product.

[0078] It has been surprisingly and unexpectedly discovered that a number of steps may be undertaken to significantly reduce gel particle formation in a high temperature continuous process, such that the resulting polymeric product is substantially free of gel particles. These steps may each be used individually, or in any combination. These steps include: (1) reactor pre-cleaning; (2) reaction solvent selection; (3) maximizing epoxy-functional monomer conversion; and (4) liquid full reactor operation.

[0079] It has been found that by careful reactor train pre-cleaning, gel particle formation in the production of epoxylated addition polymers can be avoided. It has been found that traces of acid functional compounds in the reactor system which are left behind by previous polymerization products containing functional carboxylic acid groups, monomer contamination, by-products, etc., readily react with the epoxy functional monomers of the present invention forming di-vinyl species. Small amounts of divinyl monomers in these gelation seeds are well known to produce extensive cross-linking in free radical polymerization which leads to gel particle formations. These divinyl monomers are eliminated as effectively and economically as possible by minimizing all traces of acid from the process. To do so, the reactor is precleaned with a suitable solvent for removing such acid residue, such as N-methyl pyrrolidinone.

[0080] It has also been discovered that solvents containing functional groups that react with the epoxy-functional monomers at high temperatures should be avoided. These include all solvents bearing the general formulas, R—OH, R—COOH, R—NH₂, and other solvents bearing functional groups. It has been further surprisingly and unexpectedly discovered that solvents which do not have such functional groups, but show by-products or contaminates or residuals of these functional groups from their manufacturing processes, even in trace amounts, may lead to epoxy ring opening and divinyl intermediary formation, which may lead to gel particles. Therefore, such solvents containing contaminates, by-products, etc., may be avoided in tile reaction system used in accordance with the present invention. The proper selection of solvent minimizes gel deposits under the liquid surfaces.

[0081] It has further been found that monomers feed the gel growth on the free surfaces in the head space of the reactor system via condensation at these surfaces. Because the continuous polymerization of the present invention takes place in a closed system at a high temperature, the polymerization takes place at super atmospheric pressure. At such super atmospheric pressure, the behavior in the vapor phase and the condensate phase forming at the free surfaces in contact with the vapor will obey well known vapor-liquid equilibrium laws. Therefore, the selection of the inert solvent may additionally be based on its vapor pressure relative to the epoxy-functional acrylic monomer(s). A solvent with similar or lower vapor pressure than the epoxy-functional monomer(s) will preferably condense at the free surfaces diluting the other components in the reaction. Alternatively, a solvent with a higher vapor pressure than the epoxy-functional monomer(s) will decrease the mass of these monomers in the vapor phase, thus decreasing their actual amount condensing.

[0082] Which of these two conditions is more effective depends upon the particular system being utilized. A combination of solvents, as previously described, may be used to maximize the particular characteristics sought in a given reaction.

[0083] Finally, gel particle formation may be further decreased by maximizing the conversion of the epoxy-functional monomer(s) into the polymeric product and/or by using a liquid-full reactor not having a headspace. It has been surprisingly and unexpectedly discovered that the amount and rate of gel formation in the processes of the present invention is directly proportional to the amount of epoxy-functional monomer in the system. Since the gel particle formation at the headspace surfaces within the reaction system requires the vaporization-condensation of the epoxy functional monomer(s) as previously described, the effect from the epoxy-functional monomer on this system is null when these monomers are incorporated into the polymeric product, as the polymeric product is non-volatile. Therefore, increasing the incorporation of the epoxy-functional monomer(s) into the polymeric product, via either the presence of one or more non-functional acrylate monomers or any other method known in the art, will further decrease gel particle formation.

[0084] The process of the present invention is conducted in a continuous process at high temperatures. In one embodiment, the temperatures range from about 160° C. to about 270° C., preferably about 170° C. to about 250° C., and more preferably from about 170° C. to about 232° C. In another embodiment, the temperature may range from about 175° C. to about 250° C., with the preferred temperature ranging from about 180° C. to about 232° C.

[0085] The continuous process of the present invention allows for a short residence time within the reactor. The residence time is generally less than one hour, with a preferred average residence time for the monomers of less than 15 minutes. In another embodiment, the residence time is generally less than 30 minutes, with a preferred average residence time for the monomers of less than 20 minutes.

[0086] The process of the present invention may be conducted using any type of reactor or combinations of reactors well-known in the art, in a continuous configuration. Such reactors include, but are not limited to, continuous stirred tank reactors (“CSTRs”), tube reactors, loop reactors, extruder reactors, or any reactor or combinations of reactors suitable for continuous operation.

[0087] In one preferred embodiment, the reaction zone of the continuous bulk polymerization process generally comprises a well mixed CSTR of any type adapted for variable fillage operation of from as low as 10% to as much as 100% of the usable volume thereof for the production of epoxylated polymers. The CSTR generally used in the process may be either horizontal or vertical and should have provision for close control of the temperature therein by any desired means, including control by a cooling jacket, internal cooling coils or other appropriate means well known in the art.

[0088] A preferred form of CSTR which has been found suitable for carrying out the process is a tank reactor provided with cooling coils and/or cooling jackets sufficient to remove any heat of polymerization not taken up by raising the temperature of the continuously charged monomer composition so as to maintain a preselected temperature for polymerization therein. Preferably such a CSTR will be provided with at least one, and usually more, agitators to provide a well-mixed reaction zone.

[0089] In operating the present continuous polymerization process, flexibility and range of choice may be realized in the types of polymer produced and the production rate of the polymer by proper choice of polymerization reaction conditions. In operation, at least one epoxy-functional acrylic monomer and optionally at least one non-functional free radical polymerizable monomer are continuously charged to the reactor together optionally with at least one suitable free radical polymerization initiator and maintained at the desired temperature. The reactor is generally charged from a stirred feed tank which contains the mixed reactants. However, the monomers, initiator, and any other optional components such as solvents may also be individually charged into the reactor.

[0090] After initially filling the reactor to the desired level and initiating the polymerization of the charged reactants, the volume of reactant composition charged into the reactor is adjusted to maintain a desired level of reactant and polymeric product mixture in the reactor. Thereafter, the liquid mixture of polymer and unreacted monomer or monomers is preferably withdrawn from the reactor at a rate to maintain a constant level in the reaction zone. Polymerization conditions are maintained in the reactor to produce a polymer of selected molecular weight and conversion of monomers in such liquid mixture.

[0091] As noted, the level that the reactor is filled can vary from as low as 10% to as high as 100% of the usable volume and may be controlled by any desired means, for example, a level controller associated with a valve or pump in the transfer line from the reactor. In a preferred embodiment, the processes of the present invention are performed in a reactor filled to 100% of usable volume, thus further decreasing headspace surfaces and further decreasing the formation of gel particles. Such reactors that are filled to 100% of the usable volume do not have a head space above the reactants, and are liquid full reactors.

[0092] Any desired means of controlling the temperature within the reactor may be employed. It is preferred that the temperature be controlled by circulation of a cooling fluid, such as oil, through internal cooling coils and/or reactor circulation jackets in reactors so equipped. Generally, the entry of relatively cool reactants serves to remove the greatest proportion of the heat of polymerization released, and the internal cooling coils serve to remove the remainder so as to maintain the temperature of the reaction mixture at a preselected value.

[0093] After reaction, the resulting mixture is typically subjected to separation and product recovery. Unreacted monomer is preferably recycled to the reactor or the monomer feed. During the separation step, volatile components, such as solvent, unreacted monomer and other by-products are vaporized and recycled, where appropriate. For this step, conventional equipment is readily available, such as a thin film evaporator, falling strand evaporator or any appropriate devolatization equipment.

[0094] One non-limiting methodology of conducting the present process according to the present invention will be described with respect to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a portion of an exemplary polymer process line 1 using a CSTR. Prior to use, CSTR 4 is precleaned with N-methyl pyrrolidinone. Fresh monomer feed line 18 from fresh feed tank 20 conveys the monomer or monomers of the present invention, together with the free radical polymerization initiator and any optional solvent, into CSTR 4 having agitator 6. Optionally, initiator and/or any other reaction components such as solvent may be fed from 2 into CSTR 4. CSTR 4 provides the proper choice of reaction conditions for obtaining the desired types of polymers. The polymeric product of the reaction is then fed from CSTR 4 to devolatizer 16 for devolatization. The polymer product is fed by way of conduit 15 for additional processing, or as a final product as desired. Condensed distillate from 22 is fed by way of conduits 14 and 10 to recycle feed 8 back into CSTR 4 and/or purged by way of purge 12 as desired.

[0095] Although CSTR 4 is depicted as a CSTR, reactor 4 also includes other reactor configurations capable of continuous processes. Thus, reactor 4 may also be a tube reactor, a loop reactor, extruder, or any reactor or combination of reactors capable of continuous operation. CSTR 4 may further include a secondary reactor and/or a finishing reactor.

[0096] In many industrial applications, a colored or pigmented base coating is applied to an object, and to protect the colored base coating, a clear coating composition is applied over the base coat. These color-plus-clear coating systems are becoming increasingly popular as original finishes for many applications, most notably in the use of finishes for automobiles. The color-plus-clear systems have outstanding gloss and distinctness of image, and the clear topcoat is particularly important for these properties.

[0097] It is important for the clear coating to have several properties. One of these properties is weatherability. Clear coatings used in automobile finishes are constantly exposed to extreme conditions such as rain, snow, dirt and sunlight. In order for a clear coating to be used in automobile finish applications, the clear coat must be weatherable so that the colored base coat is protected.

[0098] Further, clear coatings must not affect the visual perception of the colored base coat to which they are applied. A typical problem with clear coatings containing epoxylated polymeric products known in the art is that such coatings impart a yellow tint that is visible to the naked eye when applied over a base coat. This yellowness is generally more problematic when the clear coating is applied to a white base coat.

[0099] The polymeric products of the present invention have a wide range of industrial uses, most notably, in pigmented and clear coatings, of both liquid and powder design. It has been surprisingly and unexpectedly discovered that such coatings containing the polymeric products according to the present invention exhibit improved weatherability in clear and pigmented coatings, and lower color in clear coatings than similar coatings which comprises comparable acrylate free polymeric products and/or comparable batch polymeric products, as further described in the following examples. In a preferred embodiment, clear coatings containing polymeric products of the present invention demonstrate a decrease in Delta b value of 0.5 or greater when compared to similar clear coatings containing comparable acrylate free polymeric products and/or comparable batch polymeric products.

[0100] Powder coatings are well known in the art, and those of the present invention are generally prepared in accordance with those methods. Generally, powder coatings of the present invention comprise one or more polymeric products of the present invention in amounts of about 45% to about 85% by weight, one or more crosslinking agents in amounts of about 15% to about 40% by weight, one or more catalysts in amounts of about 0.1% to about 3.0% by weight, and one or more flow modifying agents in amounts of about 0.5% to about 2.0% by weight. The powder coatings of the present invention also may optionally include one or more degassing agents in amounts of about 0.1% to about 1.5% by weight, one or more antioxidants in amounts of about 0.1% to about 3.0% by weight and/or one or more UV stabilizers in amounts of about 0.5% to about 3.0% by weight.

[0101] The powder and liquid coatings are created by any methods well known in the art, for example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,256,452, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0102] Crosslinking agents suitable for use in the powder coatings are those well known in the art which include, but are not limited to, difunctional acids and anhydrides derived from such acids. The preferred crosslinking agent is dodecyidicarboxylic acid.

[0103] Catalysts suitable for use in the powder coatings are those well known in the art which include, but are not limited to, inorganic alkaline salts which include tetrabutyl ammonium acetate, tetrabutyl ammonium hydroxide; phosphonium compounds such as ethyltriphenylphosphonium acetate, tetrabutyl-phosphonium bromide; organometallic salts such as stannous octoate, zirconium ocotate; and other organic compounds including tertiary amines, such as N,N-dimethyidodecylamine, dimethylaniline, secondary amines, such as piperidine, and phosphines such as triphenyl phosphine. The preferred catalysts are tertiary amines such as Armeen DM-12D

, a N′N-dimethyl amine catalyst available from AKZO Chemical.

[0104] Flow modifying agents suitable for use in the powder coatings are those well known in the art which include, but are not limited to, polyacrylates such as poly(butyl acrylate), poly(ethylhexyl acrylate) and mixtures thereof; and polyamides. Preferred flow modifying agents are polyacrylates.

[0105] Degassing agents suitable for use in the powder coatings are those well known in the art which include benzoin which is the preferred degassing agent.

[0106] UV stabilizers suitable for use in the powder coatings are those well known in the art which include, but are not limited to hindered amines and benzotriazoles. Preferred UV stabilizers are benzotriazoles.

[0107] Antioxidants suitable for use in the powder coatings are those well known in the art which include, but are not limited to, hindered phenolics.

[0108] In one embodiment, the powder coating composition comprises a polymeric product consisting essentially of about 1% to 100% by weight at least one epoxy-functional acrylic monomer based on the total weight of the monomers, optionally up to 99% by weight of at least one free radical polymerizable monomer, such monomers including, but not limited to, non-functional acrylate monomers, non-functional methacrylate monomers, non-functional styrenic monomers and combinations thereof, based on the total weight of the monomers, such that the monomers are polymerized into the polymeric product such that the polymeric product in one embodiment comprises a monomer content of epoxy-functional acrylic monomer(s) of at least about 40%. The powder coating also comprises other materials sufficient to form a powder coating when combined with the polymeric product. These other materials preferably include at least one crosslinking agent, at least one catalyst, and at least one flow modifying agent to form the powder coating. The powder coating composition exhibits a Delta b value of 1.2 or less at standard conditions, more preferably, exhibiting a Delta b value of 1.05 or less at standard conditions, when the powder coating is a clear coating.

[0109] In another embodiment, powder coatings according to the present invention comprise a polymeric product, the polymeric product consisting essentially of about 15% to about 60% by weight at least one epoxy-functional acrylic monomer based on the total weight of the monomers, up to 85% by weight of at least one non-functional acrylate or non-functional methacrylate monomer based on the total weight of the monomers, 0 to about 25% by weight of at least one non-functional styrenic monomer based on the total weight of the monomers, such that the monomers are polymerized into the polymeric product. The powder coating comprises one or more polymeric products in amounts of about 45% to about 85% by weight, one or more crosslinking agents in amounts of about 15% to about 40% by weight, one or more catalysts in amounts of about 0.1% to about 3.0% by weight, and one or more flow modifying agents in amounts of about 0.5% to about 2.0% by weight. The powder coating composition exhibits a Delta b value of 1.2 or less at standard conditions, more preferably a Delta b value of 1.05 or less at standard conditions, when the powder coating is a clear coating.

[0110] Similarly, liquid coatings are well known in the art and those of the present invention are generally prepared in accordance with such methods.

[0111] In one embodiment, a liquid coating composition of the present invention comprises a polymeric product consisting essentially of about 1% to 100% by weight of at least one epoxy-functional acrylic monomer based on the total weight of the monomers, up to 99% by weight of at least one non-functional free radical polymerizable monomer, such monomers including, but not limited to, non-functional acrylate monomers, non-functional methacrylate monomers, non-functional styrenic monomers and combinations thereof, based on the total weight of the monomers, such that the monomers are polymerized into the polymeric product, such that the polymeric product in one embodiment comprises a monomer content of epoxy-functional acrylic monomer(s) of at least about 40%, mixing the polymeric product with other materials sufficient to form a liquid coating. The liquid coating clear composition exhibits a Delta b value of 1.2 or less at standard conditions, when the liquid coating is a clear coating. In a preferred embodiment, the other materials used to form the liquid coating include at least one solvent, at least one crosslinking agent, at least one curing agent, and at least one catalyst.

[0112] The liquid coatings of the present invention also may optionally include one or more flow modifying agents, one or more antioxidants and/or one or more UV stabilizers in amounts as described above in connection with the powder coatings. Similar compounds may be utilized in preparing the liquid coatings as in the powder coatings. The curing agents and solvents are those taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,256,452 which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0113] In another preferred embodiment, liquid coatings according to the present invention comprise a polymeric product, the polymeric product consisting essentially of about 15% to about 60% by weight at least one epoxy-functional acrylic monomer based on the total weight of the monomers, up to 85% by weight of at least one non-functional acrylate or non-functional methacrylate monomer based on the total weight of the monomers, 0 to about 25% by weight of at least one non-functional styrenic monomer based on the total weight of the monomers, such that the monomers are polymerized into the polymeric product. The liquid coating comprises the polymeric product in amounts of 45% to 85% by weight, and further comprises about 15% to about 40% by weight of one or more crosslinking agents, about 0.1% to about 3.0% by weight of one or more catalysts, up to about 40% by weight of one or more curing agents and about 25% to about 60% by weight of one or more solvents. The liquid coating composition exhibits a Delta b value of 1.2 or less at standard conditions, when the liquid coating is a clear coating.

[0114] The invention will be further described by reference to the following examples which are presented for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Unless otherwise indicated, all parts are by weight.

EXAMPLES Example 1

[0115] Preparation of an Epoxylated Polymeric Product with Increased Methacrylate Incorporation and Comparison to Comparable Batch Polymeric Product

[0116] A reaction mixture of 27% glycidyl methacrylate, 18% styrene, 22.5% methyl methacrylate, 22.5% cyclohexyl acrylate, 9.5% xylene and 0.5% di-tertiary butyl peroxide (monomer ratio=30% glycidyl methacrylate, 20% styrene, 25% methyl methacrylate, and 25% cyclohexyl acrylate) was continuously supplied to a reactor process similar to that described in FIG. 2 comprising a 10 gallon CSTR maintained at a constant temperature. Reaction zone mass and feed mass flow rate were controlled to provide a constant average residence time within the 10 to 15 minute range in the CSTR. The experiments were conducted for a minimum of 30-40 residence times. The reaction temperature of the CSTR was maintained constant at different settings within the range of 175°-232° C. The reaction product was continuously pumped to a devolatization zone, and the polymeric product from the devolatization zone was continuously collected and later analyzed for molecular weight averages (Mn and Mw) and mass balance composition from which its epoxy equivalent weight was computed. The resulting polymeric product was substantially free of gel particles.

[0117] For comparison purposes, an epoxy acrylic resin bearing a similar feed monomer ratio was produced in the same reactor zone employing a semi-batch process similar to that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,256,452. At the end of the process, the reaction product was pumped to a devolatization zone. The polymer product from the devolatization zone was collected and later analyzed for molecular weight averages (Mn and Mw), and mass balance composition from which its epoxy equivalent weight was computed.

[0118] The comparative synthesis results are shown in Table 1. As detailed in Table 1, the polymeric product of the present invention has similar epoxy equivalent weight and similar molecular weight averages than the comparable batch polymeric product. TABLE 1 Present Invention Semi-Batch (Continuous (U.S. Pat. No. 5,256,452) Process) Polymerization Process Comparative Example 1 Example 1 Monomer Mix (% w/w) Glycidyl methacrylate 30 30 Styrene 20 20 Methyl methacrylate 25 25 Cyclohexyl acrylate 25 25 Other Ingredients (% w/w) Xylene (% on total mix) 30 9.5 DTBP (% on total mix) — 0.5 2,2′-azo-bis-(2-   4.8 — methyl)butyronitrile (% on monomers) TBP (% on monomers)   1.7 — Reaction Conditions Reaction 138  207 Temperature (° C.) Residence Time 420* 12 (minutes) Product Characteristics Mn 2,346   2,173 Mw 5,633   5,133 Epoxy equivalent weight 475  490

Example 2

[0119] Preparation of an Epoxylated Polymeric Product Via Continuous Process and Comparison to Comparable Batch Polymeric Product

[0120] A reaction mixture of 40.5% glycidyl methacrylate, 9% styrene, 40.5% methyl methacrylate, 9.25% xylene and 0.75% di-tertiary butyl peroxide (monomer ratio=45% glycidyl methacrylate, 10% styrene, and 45% methyl methacrylate) was continuously supplied to a reactor process similar to that described in Example 1. The reaction zone mass and feed flow rate were controlled to provide an average residence time of 12 minutes in the CSTR. The temperature of the CSTR was maintained constant at different settings within the range of 193° C. to 210° C. The reaction product was continuously devolatized, collected, and analyzed as described in Example 1. The resulting polymeric product was substantially free of gel particles.

[0121] For comparison purposes, a reaction mixture bearing the same monomer ratio (45% glycidyl methacrylate, 10% styrene, and 45% methyl methacrylate) was polymerized in the same CSTR, following a semi-batch procedure similar to that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,256,452. The reaction product was devolatized, collected, and analyzed as described in Example 1.

[0122] The comparative synthesis results are shown in Table 2. As detailed in Table 2, the polymeric product of the present invention has similar epoxy equivalent weight and similar molecular weight averages than the comparable batch polymeric product. TABLE 2 Present Invention Semi-Batch (Continuous Polymerization Process (U.S. Pat. No. 5,256,452) Process) Monomer Mix (% w/w) Glycidyl methacrylate 45 45 Styrene 10 10 Methyl methacrylate 45 45 Other Ingredients (% w/w) Xylene (% on total mix) 30 9.25 DTBP (% on monomers) — 0.75 2,2′-azo-bis-(2-methyl)   4.8 — butyronitrile (% on monomers) TBP (% on monomers)   1.7 — Reaction Conditions Reaction 138  207 Temperature (° C.) Residence 420* 12 Time (minutes) Product Characteristics Mn 2,277   2,024 Mw 5,140   5,672 Epoxy equivalent weight 317  337

Example 3

[0123] Powder Coatings Applications

[0124] Glycidyl methacrylate powder clearcoats from each epoxylated polymeric product prepared in Examples 1 and 2 were prepared at the stoichiometric equivalent between epoxy-functionality from glycidyl methacrylate and acid functionality from dodecyidicarboxylic acid (DDDA) crosslinker.

[0125] The powder clearcoats were made by premixing together the following ingredients in a Henschel premixer, then extruding with a Buss extruder at 60-90° C. at a speed of 238 rpm, and finally grinding with a 0.2 inch screen on a Bantam mill with nitrogen cooling. The ground powders were sieved at 200 mesh prior to electrostatic application to several different substrates. The clearcoat ingredients are shown below in Table 3. TABLE 3 A C E G Raw materials (1/1) (1/1) (1/1) (1/1) Comparative Example 2¹ 1027.52 — — — Example 2² — 1027.52 — — Comparative Example 1³ — — 1127.72 — Example 1⁴ — — — 1127.72 DDDA 373.85 373.85 373.85 373.85 Armeen DM-12Dθ 15.07 15.07 15.07 15.07 Modaflow IIIθ⁵ 18.84 18.84 18.84 18.84 Benzoin 7.53 7.53 7.53 7.53 Tinuvin 900θ⁶ 27.90 27.90 27.90 27.90 Tinuvin 144θ⁷ 10.45 10.45 10.45 10.45 Irganox 1010θ⁸ 18.84 18.84 18.84 18.84

[0126] Three different substrates commercially available from ACT Laboratories, Inc.(Hillsdale, Mich.) were used for the investigation of powder clearcoats color. They are all composed of the following three layers commonly required for automotive substrate: E-coat, primer, and white basecoat.

[0127] SUBSTRATE 52 is ACT-APR-36752 having E-coat ED5250, PPG primer FCP6842, and PPG basecoat ODCT6466 oxford white.

[0128] SUBSTRATE 54 is ACT-APR-36754 having E-coat CORMAX EP, DuPont primer 768DM730, and PPG basecoat 692DM640 oxford white.

[0129] SUBSTRATE 55 is ACT-APR-36755 having E-coat U32AD250, PPG primer FCP614, and BASF basecoat E86WE640W bright white.

[0130] Each powder coating was applied to each substrate at three different film thickness: 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 mils. After being cured in an electric oven at 140° C. for 30 min., each panel was examined for color in Delta b yellowness using a Macbeth Color Eye 7000 (GretagMachbeth, New Windsor, N.Y.). Delta b was measured under three separate light conditions: D-65, A, and CWF(2) to obtain the averaged values. Plots between yellowness in Delta b values for each polymeric product in three different film thicknesses for each substrate are shown in FIGS. 3-5. As FIGS. 3-5 indicate, powder clearcoats produced with the polymeric products produced according to the present invention exhibited significantly less yellowness as exhibited by lower Delta b values as compared to powder clearcoats produced with the comparable batch polymeric products, thereby producing a color advantage.

Example 4

[0131] Liquid Coatings Applications

[0132] Clear film-forming compositions for liquid coating applications were prepared according to U.S. Pat. No. 5,256,452, as shown below in Table 4.

[0133] All raw materials were mixed at low speed until all of the Tinuvin 328 was dissolved. The mixture was allowed to set for 30 min. prior to application.

[0134] The same three substrates used in evaluating the powder coatings application were used for liquid work. Each clear film-forming composition was applied in multiple layers at 1.5 mils film thickness wet for each layer, until the desired film thickness was achieved. The panel was then allowed to flash at 75° C. for 15 min, and baked at 135° C. for 30 min. Liquid coatings at three different dry film thickness were investigated: 1.60, 2.00, and 2.50 mils.

[0135] The color of each baked panel was examined in Delta b value using a Macbeth 7000 Color Eye as described in powder coatings applications. The results are shown in FIGS. 6-8. The same color advantage found for powder clear coatings applications was also observed in liquid clear coatings applications. However, the low color advantage, demonstrated by the lower Delta b value, was more dramatic for liquid coatings applications. TABLE 4 Raw materials A B Comparative Example 2¹ 98.47 — Example 2² — 98.47 Polybutylacrylate³ 0.40 0.40 Ethyl 3-ethoxypropionate 45.20 45.20 Di-TMP/methylhexahydrophthalic 58.83 58.83 anhydride half ester⁴ ARMEEN DM-12Dθ⁵ 2.00 2.00 Tinuvin 292θ⁶ 0.40 0.40 Tinuvin 328θ⁷ 3.00 3.00

Example 5

[0136] Preparation of an Epoxylated Polymeric Product Via Continuous Process and Comparison to Comparable Batch Polymeric Product

[0137] A reaction mixture of 36% glycidyl methacrylate, 15.3% styrene, 18% methyl methacrylate, 11.7% butyl actylate, 9% butyl methacrylate, and the balance comprised by xylene in the range of 9.7 to 9.0% and di-tertiary butyl peroxide in the range of 0.3 to 1.0% (monomer ratio=40% glycidyl methacrylate, 17% styrene, 20% methyl methacrylate, 13% butyl acrylate, and 10% butyl methacrylate) was continuously supplied to a CSTR similar to that described in Example 1. The CSTR average residence time was controlled at 12 minutes in the agitated reaction zone. The temperature of the CSTR was maintained constant at different settings within the range of 188° C. to 218° C. depending on the percentage of di-tertiary butyl peroxide used. The reaction product was continuously devolatized, collected, and analyzed as described in Example 1. The resulting polymeric product was substantially free of gel particles.

[0138] For comparison purposes, a reaction mixture bearing the same monomer ratio (40% glycidyl methacrylate, 17% styrene, 20% methyl methacrylate, 13% butyl acrylate, and 10% butyl methacrylate) was polymerized in the same agitated reactor zone, following a semi-batch procedure similar to that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,256,452. The reaction product was devolatized, collected, and analyzed as described in Example 1.

[0139] Comparative synthesis results are shown in Table 5 below: TABLE 5 Semi-Batch Present Invention Polymerization Process U.S. Pat. No. 5,256,452 (Continuous Process) Monomer Mix (% w/w) Glycidyl methacrylate 40 40 40 40 40 Styrene 17 17 17 17 17 Methyl methacrylate 20 20 20 20 20 Butyl acrylate 13 13 13 13 13 Butyl methacrylate 10 10 10 10 10 Other Ingredients (% w/w) Xylene (% on total mix) 30 9.0 9.25 9.5 9.7 DTBP (% on total mix) — 1.0 0.75 0.5 0.3 2,2′-azo-bis-(2-methyl)   4.8 — — — — butyronnitrile (% on monomers) TBP (% on monomers)   1.7 — — — — Reaction Conditions Reaction Temperature (° C.) 138  188 188 204 216 Residence Time (minutes) 420* 12 12 12 12 Product Characteristics Mn 2,298   2,686 2,936 2,360 2,134 Mw 5,563   7,530 8,465 5,602 4,866 Epoxy equivalent weight 356  365 364 372 375

Example 6

[0140] Preparation of an Epoxylated Polymeric Product Via Continuous Process and Comparison to Comparable Batch Polymeric Product

[0141] A reaction mixture of 27% glycidyl methacrylate, 18% styrene, 40.5% methyl methacrylate, 4.5% butyl acrylate, and the balance comprised by xylene in the range of 9.7 to 9.0% and di-tertiary butyl peroxide in the range of 0.3 to 1.0% (monomer ratio=30% glycidyl methacrylate, 20% styrene, 45% methyl methacrylate, and 5% butyl acrylate) was continuously supplied to a reactor process similar to that described in Example 1. The reaction zone average residence time was controlled at 12 minutes in the agitated reaction zone. The temperature of the agitated reaction zone was maintained constant at different settings within the range of 198° C. to 218° C., depending on the percentage of di-tertiary butyl peroxide used. The reaction product was continuously devolatized, collected, and analyzed as described in Example 1. The resulting polymeric product was substantially free of gel particles.

[0142] For comparison purposes, a reaction mixture bearing the same monomer ratio (30% glycidyl methacrylate, 20% styrene, 45% methyl methacrylate, and 5% butyl acrylate) was polymerized in the same agitated reactor zone, following a semi-batch procedure similar to that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,256,452. The reaction product was devolatized, collected, and analyzed as described in Example 1.

[0143] The results are described in Table 6. TABLE 6 Semi-Batch Present Invention Polymerization Process (U.S. Pat. No. 5,256,452) (Continuous Process) Monomer Mix (% w/w) Glycidyl methacrylate 30 30 30 30 Styrene 20 20 20 20 Methyl methacrylate 45 45 45 45 Butyl acrylate  5 5 5 5 Other Ingredients (% w/w) Xylene (% on total mix) 30 9.3 9.5 9.7 DTBP (% on total mix) — 0.7 0.5 0.3 2,2′-azo-bis-(2-   4.8 — — — methyl)butyronnitrile (% on monomers) TBP (% on monomers)   1.7 — — — Reaction Conditions Reaction Temperature (° C.) 138  200 210 213 Residence Time (minutes) 420* 12 12 12 Product Characteristics Mn 2,297   2,228 2,229 2,147 Mw 5,638   5,785 5,611 5,451 Epoxy equivalent weight 476  487 498 498

Example 7

[0144] Effect of Cyclohexyl Acrylate on Process Capability

[0145] To demonstrate the positive effects of the inclusion of non-functional acrylate monomers on the enhancement of this invention's processability, each one of the reaction mixtures shown in Table 7 was continuously supplied to different volume CSTRs each comprising a process similar to that described in FIG. 2 and Example 1. The 500 ml CSTRs were utilized at 100% of usable volume (liquid full reactors), and the 10 gal CSTRs were utilized at less than 100% of usable volume (non-liquid full reactors). Regardless of the agitated reaction zone volume employed, the reaction zone average residence time was controlled at 12 minutes. The temperature of the CSTRs was maintained constant at different settings within the range of 193° C. to 232° C. The corresponding reaction products were continuously devolatized, collected, and analyzed as described in Example 1. The resulting polymeric product was substantially free of gel particles. The results are shown below in Table 7. The liquid full reactors showed no formation of gel fouling in the head spaces. TABLE 7 Monomer Mix (% w/w) Glycidyl 45 45 45 45 45 30 methacrylate Styrene 10 10 10 10 10 20 Methyl 45 40 35 30 25 25 methacrylate Cyclohexyl 0 5 10 15 20 25 acrylate Other Ingredients (% w/w) Xylene 9.25 9.5 9.5 9.5 9.5 9.5 (% on total mix) DTBP 0.75 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 (% on total mix) Reaction Conditions Reaction 193 193 193 193 193 193 Temperatures 204 213 210 210 207 207 (° C.) 207 218 221 227 232 210 210 232 Reactor Zone  10 gal 500 ml 500 ml 500 ml 500 ml  10 gal Size Residence 12 12 12 12 12 12 Time (minutes)

[0146]FIG. 9 shows the effect of the use of a suitable acrylate monomer, cyclohexyl acrylate (CHA) in this case, in process productivity, measured as overall monomer mix conversion to copolymer product in the process. As shown, with the introduction of as little as 5% CHA in the formula, a large increase in productivity is achieved over a widely expanded process range. The introduction of greater or equal than about 10% CHA allows a highly productive operation over the whole temperature range of this invention. The lines are best fit logarithmic curves between the corresponding experimental points.

[0147]FIG. 10 shows the effect of the use of CHA on the epoxy-functional methacrylate monomer conversion and product functionality (measured as glycidyl methacrylate conversion). As shown, with the introduction of as little as 5% CHA in the formula a large increase in methacrylate conversion is achieved over a widely expanded process range. The introduction of greater than about 10% CHA allows a high methacrylate conversion over the whole temperature range of this invention. The lines are best fit logarithmic curves between the corresponding experimental points.

[0148]FIG. 11 shows the effect of the use of CHA on the non-functional methacrylate monomer conversion. As shown, with the introduction of as little as 5% CHA in the formula a large increase in methacrylate conversion is achieved over a widely expanded process range. The introduction of greater than about 10% CHA allows a high methacrylate conversion over the whole temperature range of this invention. The lines are best fit logarithmic curves between the corresponding experimental points

[0149]FIG. 12 shows the unmodified Mw vs. T_(g) behavior of the different products observed through the proper selection of the suitable acrylate monomer (in this case CHA replacing methyl methacrylate) compliant to Equation 1. The line at 30° C. represents an arbitrary cut point below which the copolymer product T_(g) may be low for powder coating applications but still good for liquid coating applications. As shown, the introduction of up to 20% CHA in the formula in compliance to Equation 1 does not affect the T_(g) of the product at a given Mw, nor does it affect the T_(g) dependence with molecular weight. The line is the best fit logarithmic curve between the corresponding experimental points at CHA equal to 15%.

Example 8

[0150] Preparation of Epoxylated Polymeric Products with High Epoxy Content and High Styrene Content Via Continuous Process.

[0151] A reaction mixture of 45% glycidyl methacrylate, 45% styrene, 9% xylene and 1% di-tertiary butyl peroxide (monomer ratio=50% glycidyl methacrylate and 50%styrene) was continuously supplied to a reactor process similar to that described in Example 1. The reaction zone average residence time was controlled at 18 minutes in the agitated reaction zone. The temperature of the agitated reaction zone was maintained constant at different settings within the range of 182° C. to 227° C. The reaction product was continuously devolatilized, collected, and analyzed as described in Example 1. The resulting polymeric products were substantially free of gel particles.

[0152] The results are described in Table 8. TABLE 8 Monomer Mix (% w/w) Glycidyl Methacrylate 50 50 50 Styrene 50 50 50 Other Ingredients (% w/w) Xylene (% on total mix) 9 9 9 DTBP (% on total mix) 1 1 1 Reaction Conditions Reaction Temperature (° C.) 182 204 227 Residence Time 18 18 18 Product Characteristics Mn 3132 2020 1319 Mw 10509 5136 2710 Epoxy equivalent weight 287 288 288

Example 9

[0153] Comparative Preparation of Epoxylated Polymeric Products with High Epoxy Content and High Acrylate Content Via Continuous Process.

[0154] A reaction mixture of 45% glycidyl methacrylate, 45% butyl acrylate, 7% xylene and 3% di-tertiary butyl peroxide (monomer ratio=50% glycidyl methacrylate and 50% butyl acrylate) was continuously supplied to a reactor process similar to that described in Example 1. The reaction zone average residence time was controlled at 24 minutes in the agitated reaction zone. The temperature of the agitated reaction zone was maintained constant at 241° C. The reaction product was continuously devolatilized, collected, and analyzed as described in Example 1. The resulting polymeric products were substantially free of gel particles.

[0155] For process performance comparison a reaction mixture of 41% glycidyl methacrylate, 49% cyclohexyl acrylate, 7% xylene and 3% di-tertiary butyl peroxide (monomer ratio=45% glycidyl methacrylate and 55% cyclohexyl acrylate) was continuously supplied to a reactor process similar to that described in Example 1. The reaction zone average residence time was controlled at 24 minutes in the agitated reaction zone. The temperature of the agitated reaction zone was maintained constant at 241° C. The reaction product was continuously devolatilized, collected, and analyzed as described in Example 1. The resulting polymeric products were substantially free of gel particles.

[0156] The results are described in Table 9. TABLE 9 Monomer Mix (% w/w) Glycidyl Methacrylate 50 45 Butyl Acrylate 50 — Cyclohexyl Acrylate — 55 Other Ingredients (% w/w) Xylene (% on total mix) 7 7 DTBP (% on total mix) 3 3 Reaction Conditions Reaction Temperature (° C.) 241 241 Residence Time 24 24 Product Characteristics Mn 974 916 Mw 1540 1573 Epoxy equivalent weight 292 327

Example 10

[0157] Preparation of Epoxylated Polymeric Products with High Epoxy Content Via Continuous Process. Use of Isobornyl Acrylate for Improved Processability and Weatherability of Powder Resins. Comparative use of Di-tertiary butyl peroxide and Di-tertiary amyl peroxide.

[0158] A reaction mixture of 44% glycidyl methacrylate, 13% styrene, 18% methyl methacrylate, 13% isobornyl acrylate, 10% xylene and 2% di-tertiary butyl peroxide (monomer ratio=50% glycidyl methacrylate, 14.8% styrene, 20.4% methyl methacrylate, and 14.8% isobornyl acrylate) was continuously supplied to a reactor process comprising a 2 gallon CSTR. The reaction zone average residence time was controlled at 18 minutes in the agitated reaction zone. The temperature of the agitated reaction zone was maintained constant at different settings within the range of 171° C. to 182° C. The reaction product was continuously devolatilized, collected, and analyzed as described in Example 1. The resulting polymeric products were substantially free of gel particles.

[0159] For comparison purposes, a reaction mixture of 44% glycidyl methacrylate, 13% styrene, 18% methyl methacrylate, 13% isobornyl acrylate, 9.6% xylene and 2.4% di-tertiary amyl peroxide (monomer ratio=50% glycidyl methacrylate, 14.8% styrene, 20.4% methyl methacrylate, and 14.8% isobornyl acrylate) was continuously supplied to a reactor process comprising the same 2 gallon CSTR. The reaction zone average residence time was similarly controlled at 18 minutes in the agitated reaction zone. The temperature of the agitated reaction zone was also maintained constant at different settings within the range of 171° C. to 182° C. The reaction product was continuously devolatilized, collected, and analyzed as described in Example 1. The resulting polymeric products were substantially free of gel particles.

[0160] The comparative results are described in Table 10. TABLE 10 Monomer Mix (% w/w) Glycidyl Methacrylate 50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0 Styrene 14.8 14.8 14.8 14.8 14.8 14.8 Methyl Methacrylate 20.4 20.4 20.4 20.4 20.4 20.4 Isobornyl Acrylate 14.8 14.8 14.8 14.8 14.8 14.8 Other Ingredients (% w/w) Xylene (% on total mix) 10.0 9.6 10.0 9.6 10.0 9.6 DTBP (% on total mix) 2.0 — 2.0 — 2.0 — DTAP (% on total mix) — 2.4 — 2.4 — 2.4 Reaction Conditions Reaction Temperature (° C.) 171 171 177 177 182 182 Residence Time (minutes) 18 18 18 18 18 18 Product Characteristics Mn 2,290 2,187 1,954 1,888 1,692 1,648 Mw 7,037 5,253 5,225 4,251 4,151 3,484 Mz 15,216 9,199 10,862 7,335 8,852 5,996 Epoxy equivalent weight 290 292 293 295 295 297

Example 11

[0161] Preparation of Epoxylated Polymeric Products with High Epoxy Content Via Continuous Process. Use of High Styrene and Acrylate Content for Improved Processability of Liquid Resins.

[0162] A reaction mixture of 45% glycidyl methacrylate, 27% styrene, 18% 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, 9% xylene and 1% di-tertiary butyl peroxide (monomer ratio=50% glycidyl methacrylate, 30% styrene, and 20% 2-ethylhexyl acrylate) was continuously supplied to a reactor process similar to that described in Example 1. The reaction zone average residence time was controlled at 12 minutes in the agitated reaction zone. The temperature of the agitated reaction zone was maintained constant at different settings within the range of 204° C. to 232° C. The reaction product was continuously devolatilized, collected, and analyzed as described in Example 1. The resulting polymeric products were substantially free of gel particles.

[0163] The results are described in Table 11. TABLE 11 Monomer Mix (% w/w) Glycidyl Methacrylate 50 50 50 Styrene 30 30 30 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate 20 20 20 Other Ingredients (% w/w) Xylene (% on total mix) 9 9 9 DTBP (% on total mix) 1 1 1 Reaction Conditions Reaction Temperature (° C.) 204 218 232 Residence Time 12 12 12 Product Characteristics Mn 1901 1443 1148 Mw 4734 3056 2162 Epoxy equivalent weight 287 290 293

[0164] It is understood that the invention is not confined to the particular formulations and arrangements of parts herein illustrated and described, but embraces all such modified forms thereof as come within the scope of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A continuous, high temperature polymerization process for preparing a free radically polymerized epoxy-functional polymeric product comprising: (a) continuously charging into a reactor monomer(s) consisting essentially of: (i) at least one epoxy-functional acrylic monomer; (ii) optionally at least one non-functional monomer which is a non-functional free radical polymerizable monomer; and (b) maintaining an effective temperature in the reactor for an effective period of time to cause polymerization of the monomers to produce a polymeric product, such that the polymeric product is formed substantially free of gel particles.
 2. The continuous, high temperature polymerization process of claim 1, wherein (a) further comprises continuously charging into the reactor: (i) from about 1 percent to 100 percent by weight of at least one epoxy-functional acrylic monomer based on the total weight of the monomers; (ii) from 0 percent to about 99 percent by weight of at least one non-functional monomer selected from the group consisting of non-functional acrylate monomers, non-functional methacrylate monomers, non-functional styrenic monomers and combinations thereof based on the total weight of the monomers; and (iii) at least one free radical polymerization initiator.
 3. The continuous, high temperature polymerization process of claim 2, wherein (a) further comprises continuously charging into the reactor a solvent in an amount up to 40 percent by weight of the total weight of the monomers.
 4. The continuous, high temperature polymerization process of claim 1, wherein the effective temperature is from about 160° to about 270° C., and the effective period of time for residence of the monomers within the reactor is less than 60 minutes.
 5. The continuous, high temperature polymerization process of claim 1, wherein the epoxy-functional acrylic monomer is glycidyl methacrylate.
 6. The continuous, high temperature polymerization process of claim 1, wherein the monomers further comprise at least one non-functional methacrylate monomer, at least one non-functional acrylate monomer, and at least one non-functional styrenic monomer.
 7. The continuous, high temperature polymerization process of claim 1, wherein the monomers further comprise at least two different non-functional methacrylate monomers and at least one non-functional acrylate monomer.
 8. The continuous, high temperature polymerization process of claim 1, wherein the monomers further comprise at least two different non-functional methacrylate monomers, at least one non-functional acrylate monomer, and at least one non-functional styrenic monomer.
 9. The continuous, high temperature polymerization process of claim 1, wherein the monomers consist essentially of epoxy-functional acrylic monomer(s) and non-functional styrenic monomer(s).
 10. The continuous, high temperature polymerization process of claim 2, wherein the free radical polymerization initiator is di-t-amyl peroxide.
 11. A continuous, high temperature polymerization process for preparing a free radically polymerized epoxy-functional polymeric product comprising; (a) continuously charging into a reactor monomer(s) consisting essentially of: (i) at least one epoxy-functional acrylic monomer; (ii) at least one non-functional monomer selected from the group consisting of non-functional acrylate monomers, non-functional methacrylate monomers, and combinations thereof; and (b) maintaining an effective temperature in the reactor for an effective period of time to cause polymerization of the monomers to produce a polymeric product, such that the polymeric product is formed substantially free of gel particles.
 12. The continuous, high temperature polymerization process of claim 11, wherein (a) further comprises continuously charging into the reactor at least one solvent.
 13. The continuous, high temperature polymerization process of claim 11, wherein (a) further comprises continuously charging into the reactor at least one free radical polymerization initiator.
 14. The continuous, high temperature polymerization process of claim 11, wherein the effective temperature is from about 175° C. to about 250° C., and wherein the effective period of time for residence of the monomers within the reactor is less than 15 minutes.
 15. The continuous, high temperature polymerization process of claim 11, wherein (a) further comprises continuously charging into the reactor at least one non-functional styrenic monomer.
 16. The continuous, high temperature polymerization process of claim 11, wherein the monomers further comprise at least two different non-functional acrylate monomers or nonfunctional methacrylate monomers.
 17. The continuous, high temperature polymerization process of claim 16, wherein the monomers further comprise at least two different non-functional methacrylate monomers and at least one non-functional acrylate monomer.
 18. The continuous, high temperature polymerization process of claim 11, wherein the monomers further comprise at least three non-functional methacrylate monomers.
 19. The continuous, high temperature polymerization process of claim 11, wherein (a) further comprises continuously charging into the reactor: (i) about 15 percent to about 60 percent by weight of at least one epoxy-functional acrylic monomer based on the total weight of the monomers; (ii) up to about 85 percent by weight of at least one non-functional monomer selected from the group consisting of non-functional acrylate monomers, non-functional methacrylate monomers, and combinations thereof based on the total weight of the monomers; (iii) about 0.0005 to about 0.06 moles of at least one free radical polymerization initiator per mole of monomers; (iv) 0 percent to about 25 percent by weight of at least one non-functional styrenic monomer based on the total weight of the monomers; and (v) 0 percent to about 15 percent by weight of solvent based on the total weight of the monomers.
 20. The continuous, high temperature polymerization process of claim 11, wherein the epoxy-functional acrylic monomer is glycidyl methacrylate.
 21. The continuous, high temperature polymerization process of claim 19, wherein the non-functional methacrylate and non-functional acrylate monomers are selected from the group consisting of methyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, isobutyl methacrylate, cyclohexyl methacrylate, isobornyl methacrylate and combinations thereof.
 22. The continuous, high temperature polymerization process of claim 21, further comprising at least one non-functional styrenic monomer.
 23. A powder coating composition, comprising: (a) the polymeric product made according to the process of claim 1; and (b) other materials sufficient to form a powder coating composition when combined with the polymeric product.
 24. A powder coating composition, comprising: (a) the polymeric product made according to the process of claim 11; and (b) other materials sufficient to form a powder coating when combined with the polymeric product.
 25. A powder coating composition, comprising: (a) a polymeric product, the polymeric product consisting essentially of: (i) about 1 percent to 100 percent by weight of at least one epoxy-functional acrylic monomer based on the total weight of the monomers; (ii) optionally From 0 percent to about 99 percent by weight of a at least one non-functional monomer which is a non-functional free radical polymerizable monomer, such that the monomers are polymerized into the polymeric product, such that the polymeric product comprises at least 40 percent by weight of polymerized epoxy-functional monomers; (b) other materials sufficient to form a powder clear coating when combined with the polymeric product, wherein the powder clear coating composition exhibits a Delta b value of 1.2 or less at standard conditions.
 26. A powder coating composition, comprising: (a) a polymeric product, the polymeric product consisting essentially of: (i) about 15 percent to about 60 percent by weight of at least one epoxy-functional acrylic monomer based on the total weight of the monomers; (ii) up to 85 percent by weight of at least one non-functional monomer selected from the group consisting of non-functional acrylate monomers, non-functional methacrylate monomers and combinations thereof based on the total weight of the monomers, such that the monomers are polymerized into the polymeric product; and (iii) 0 to about 25 percent by weight of at least one non-functional styrenic monomer based on the total weight of the monomers, such that the polymeric product comprises at least 40 percent by weight of polymerized epoxy-functional monomers; (b) other materials sufficient to form a powder clear coating when combined with the polymeric product, wherein the powder clear coating composition exhibits a Delta b value of 1.2 or less at standard conditions.
 27. A liquid coating composition, comprising: (a) the polymeric product made according to the process of claim 1; and (b) other materials sufficient to form a liquid coating composition when combined with the polymeric product.
 28. A liquid coating composition, comprising: (a) the polymeric product made according to the process of claim 11; and (b) other materials sufficient to form a liquid coating composition when combined with the polymeric product.
 29. A liquid coating composition, comprising: (a) a polymeric product, the polymeric product consisting essentially of: (i) about 1 percent to 100 percent by weight of at least one epoxy-functional acrylic monomer based on the total weight of (he monomers; (ii) optionally from 0 percent to about 99 percent by weight of at least one non-functional monomer which is a non-functional free radical polymerizable monomer, such that the monomers are polymerized into the polymeric product; and (b) other materials sufficient to form a liquid clearcoating when combined with the polymeric product, wherein the liquid coating composition exhibits a Delta b value of 1.2 or less at standard conditions.
 30. A liquid clear coating composition, comprising: (a) a polymeric product, the polymeric product consisting essentially of: (i) about 15 percent to about 60 percent by weight at least one epoxy-functional acrylic monomer based on the total weight of the monomers; (ii) up to 85 percent by weight of at least one non-functional monomer selected from the group consisting of non-functional acrylate monomers, non-functional methacrylate monomers and combinations thereof based on the total weight of the monomers; (iii) 0 to about 25 percent by weight of at least one non-functional styrenic monomer based on the total weight of the monomers, such that the monomers are polymerized into the polymeric product; and (b) other materials sufficient to form a liquid clear coating when combined with the polymeric product, wherein the liquid coating composition exhibits a Delta b value of 1.2 or less at standard conditions.
 31. A continuous, high temperature polymerization process for preparing a free radically polymerized epoxy-functional polymeric product comprising: (a) continuously changing into a reactor monomers consisting essentially of: (i) at least one epoxy-functional acrylic monomer; (ii) at least one non-functional methacrylate monomer; (iii) at least one non-functional acrylate monomer; and (b) maintaining an effective temperature in the reactor for an effective period of time to cause polymerization of the monomers to produce a polymeric product, wherein the acrylate monomer is added in a sufficient amount such that at least 60 percent of the total functional and non-functional methacrylate monomers are incorporated into the polymeric product.
 32. The continuous, high temperature polymerization process of claim 31, wherein (a) further comprises continuously charging into the reactor at least one free radical polymerization initiator.
 33. The continuous, high temperature polymerization process of claim 31, wherein (a) further comprises continuously charging into the reactor at least one non-functional styrenic monomer.
 34. The continuous, high temperature polymerization process of claim 31, wherein (a) further comprises continuously charging into the reactor at least one solvent.
 35. The continuous, high temperature polymerization process of claim 31, wherein a homopolymer of each nonfunctional acrylate monomer has a T_(g) of less than or equal to 30° C.
 36. The continuous, high temperature polymerization process of claim 31, wherein a homopolymer of each non-functional acrylate monomer has a T_(g) of greater than 30° C.
 37. The continuous, high temperature polymerization process of claim 31, wherein (a) further comprises continuously charging into the reactor: (i) about 15% to about 60% by weight of at least one epoxy-functional acrylic monomer based on the total weight of the monomers; (ii) up to about 60% by weight of at least one non-functional methacrylate monomer based on the total weight of the monomers; (iii) tip to about 25% by weight of at least one non-functional acrylate monomer based on the total weight of the monomers; (iv) about 0.0005 to about 0.06 moles of at least one free radical polymerization initiator per mole of monomers; (v) up to about 25% by weight of at least one non-functional styrenic monomer based on the total weight of the monomers; and (vi) up to about 15% by weight of solvent based on the total weight of the monomers.
 38. The continuous, high temperature polymerization process of claim 37, wherein the epoxy-functional acrylic monomer is glycidyl methacrylate.
 39. The continuous, high temperature polymerization process of claim 38, wherein the non-functional acrylate monomer is selected from the group consisting of cyclohexyl acrylate, isoborynl acrylate, and combinations thereof.
 40. The continuous, high temperature polymerization process of claim 38, wherein the non-functional methacrylate monomers are selected from the group consisting of methyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, isobutyl methacrylate, cyclohexyl methacrylate, isobornyl methacrylate, and combinations thereof.
 41. The continuous, high temperature polymerization process of claim 37, further comprising at least one non-functional styrenic monomer.
 42. A powder coating composition, comprising: (a) the polymeric product made according to the process of claim 31; and (b) other materials sufficient to form a powder coating composition when combined with the polymeric product.
 43. A liquid coating composition, comprising: (a) the polymeric product made according to the process of claim 31; and (b) other materials sufficient to form a liquid coating composition when combined with the polymeric product.
 44. A powder clear coating composition, comprising: (a) a polymeric product, the polymeric product consisting essentially of: (i) about 15 percent to about 60 percent by weight of at least one epoxy-functional acrylic monomer based on the total weight of the monomers; (ii) up to 60 percent by weight of at least one non-functional methacrylate monomer based on the total weight of the monomers; (iii) up to 25 percent by weight of at least one non-functional acrylate monomer, such that the monomers are polymerized into the polymeric product such that the polymeric product comprises at least 40 percent by weight of polymerized epoxy-functional monomers; (b) other materials sufficient to form a powder clear coating composition when combined with the polymeric product, wherein the powder clear coating composition exhibits a Delta b value of 1.2 or less at standard conditions.
 45. A liquid coating composition, comprising: (a) a polymeric product, the polymeric product consisting essentially of: (i) about 15% to about 60% by weight at least one epoxy-functional acrylic monomer based on the total weight of the monomers; (ii) tip to 85% by weight of at least one non-functional monomer selected from the group consisting of non-functional acrylate monomers, non-functional methacrylate monomers and combinations thereof based on the total weight of the monomers; and (iii) tip to 25% by weight of at least one non-functional acrylate monomer, such that the monomers are polymerized into the polymeric product; (b) other materials sufficient to form a liquid clear coating composition when combined with the polymeric product, wherein the liquid clear coating composition exhibits a Delta b value of 1.2 or less at standard conditions. 